Speedster Matthew zooms home for podium place

Karting ace Matthew Hopcraft was in inspired form in the latest round of the British Championships with a brilliant podium cementing his position as one of the country’s top racers.

The 12-year-old Thomas Coram School pupil competes in the highly competitive 55mph Honda Cadet class, which features the top driving talent from across the UK.

Last year Matthew finished 10th in the Super One British Championship but looks to be heading for a far better position in 2013 after taking second place in the latest round at the PFI track near Grantham.

Hopcraft, who races for the Next-Gen Motorsport cadet team, was up against more than 30 other drivers but looked strong in qualifying and finished 11th, fourth and 10th in his heats.

That left him starting 10th for the main final in front of a large crowd, and the youngster saved the best to last with a stunning drive through the pack to add yet another trophy to add to his growing tally.

Matthew now lies eighth in this year’s British Championship but is hopeful of a top-five finish with two more rounds to go.

His father Nigel said: “Matthew showed great maturity all weekend and his drive in the final was controlled, fast and got the reward it deserved.

“Our budget is much less than most of our rivals but Matthew more than makes up for that with his driving.”